Different people have different needs.
posted by Sarah @ 9:57 AM
13 Comments
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
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13 Comments:
We value the uniqueness of others - sounds good but it is harder to live into. Equal is not fair is a phrase that I work to instill in my kids. One of the reasons that I love Socratic Seminar is the structures that are put in place to help kids learn to appreciate the different points of view within a dialogue. Learning to listen to each other is just the first step!
From day one, I share the statement "Fair is everybody getting what they need, not everyone getting the same thing." with my students. What one needs is not what someone else may need. Each child is unique and teachers and parents need to recognize those special traits and needs. Tolerance is a difficult concept to teach to certain populations in school but with good modeling by teachers, anything is possible.
This statement has become very alive to me this year, as my teaching abilities are being stretched and tested with various student needs. Often at the Kindergarten age, they are very concerned with what is "fair." Who had a turn last, who got a bigger birthday cupcake, etc... I have noticed over time, though, that they are starting to learn the meaning of "different people have different needs." We discuss this on a daily basis!
Not only is "fair" a complicated concept, but the truth is the world is not a fair place by any stretch of the imagination. Individual needs require adjustment because it is only "fair" that every student get a chance to comprehend the material. Helping create a useful working interpretation of the "fair" concept for students would be a good life skill to give them.
Like Valerie's comment, I see the same thing in first grade. Kids can learn, though, that "different people have different needs". We have to review it often so that everyone learns that "fair" is really respecting differences.
I have had this conversation many times with my third graders. When put it way that Judy phrased it, they seem to understand. I also use the example that Shaq might need to eat 2 whole pizzas to feel full, and we might only need to eat 2 pieces. We all need different things to be healthy and happy!
I have worked with special needs students for most of my teaching career. I have since the beginning, known that each student deserves the best I can give them, even though what I give to each, can look much different from the rest. Giving the bandaid to the "one" who needs it at the time is always a challenge. At the start of the year, I make a point of celebrating the differences in my students, and letting them know that I will do my best to see that they have the help they need from me, and the other students. Throughout the year, when the inevitable comes up, I remind them of our talk at the start, and that everybody should be getting what they need, though not the same thing.
I agree with every assessment above on this topic. Experience teaches us volumes about children. I think most children know the students in their class that need something different from what they or most of their classmates need. When the teacher confirms their observations in the manner you have already mentioned, then most children will accept and agree with different treatment. If behavior is different but developing, I have found classmates to be the best cheerleaders and "encouragers" of their fellow life travelers you can find.
This is a great phrase "different people have different needs." I think we all have special or different needs. My husband Bob's special need is that he can't function without breakfast. For some of us it is coffee in the morning. I like how Karen and the author conveyed that fair isn't always equal. I think that kids are pretty aware of the needs and differences of one another. Meeting those needs is something that everyone can be a part of.
It is important for children to realize that the world is not fair. Different people do have different needs. I think that being exposed to the many types of learning styles that are at North Ranch (Uniquely Gifted, self-contained,etc) - our students are better equipped to see the differences of people. Equality in education means giving everyone equal opportunities to learn, NOT teaching everyone in exactly the same way.
We need to be continuous role models for our students. Patty got me a little gift this week and when I went in to thank her the kids were all excited to see that adults sometimes have "special needs" too. We took the opportunity to share with them that Mrs. Krell was going through a hard time and that sometimes someone else's thoughtfulness can make all the difference! Many of us have gone through challenging times this year at NR and practicing what we preach with our kids needs to start with the adults on campus. If we want them to stop and care about each other and notice that everyone needs something different then we can be the best guides for them each day that we lead with our hearts....
Different people have different needs. The key word is PEOPLE, not just children. These children will grow up and become People who need to know that life is not fair. It is important to teach them that they need to get their needs met not worry about what others get.
I am going through this with Claire. She says but mom, everyone has a cell phone, everyone has a computer, everyone has ....... I try and remind her that what is important is what she needs.
I like the statement, "EVERY child really is different and deserves to have those differences accepted and respected"!! We all are different and unique in some way. Several people commented on the differences they recognize in their own families. Wouldn't it be boring if people weren't different?
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